Info and Advice Hub

Information, Form Fillings and Advocacy

Here at Bud’s we thrive on giving the community support in any way we can. We are here to provide advice, information and advocacy in any situation we can. Some of the queries and issues we provide information for are

  • Social Welfare
  • Employment and Enterprise Issues
  • Back to Education
  • Mental Health Services
  • Family Support
  • Counselling

We provide a knowledgable invaluble service especially to those in rural areas who can’t get into the larger towns to obtain the required information or even forms.  We provide an advocacy service on public services and entitlements and eligibility wherever we can. Whether you are just looking for Information or wishing to proceed with an application we are proud to have an expert Information Officer on hand to help you fill out forms or Online Applications that you may need. We cover information on

  • Social Welfare forms
  • County Council forms
  • Funding Forms
  • Grants
  • Legal Forms etc.

We understand how mind boggling paper work can be at the best of times so this is a fantastic service and is confidential  as well as free of charge. In particular this service is invaluable for those with literacy difficulties. Sometimes it is just simple guidance we need,  to fully understand what we are actually entitled and elidgable  for. As a result, callers have obtained the services to which they are entitled e.g.

  • Medical card
  • Rent supplement
  • Disability allowance
  • Sick benefit
  • Discretionary benefits (e.g. home improvement, insulation grants, with advice on builders).

Many people are unsure of their situation (e.g. working and legally claiming at the same time) and need practical advice.  Contact the centre to book an appointment with our Information Officer Phil. Available Mondays & Thursdays.

Adult Education and Employment Programmes

Bud’s Family Resource Centre offer support in securing Adult Education Opportunities to all members of the community. We offer all kinds of help and advise whether it is choosing which path is right for you or assisting you with your application in order to secure your place.

At various intervals throughout the year we provide stand-alone, non-accredited skills based courses. However, we also collaborate with other education providers and direct the  returning learner to make a choice that is correct for them. We participate with the National Learning Network, FAS, MTU(formerlly IT Tralee), Listowel Community College, An Tóchar Further Education Centre to name a few which provide so many Education and Training Courses available both part time and full time. Over the years we have seen many students complete courses and secure Full Time work in a field they enjoy.

We support Interview Skills, CV Preparation and Work Placements too. Choosing to go back to education is a fantastic step and here at Bud’s it is our aim to make the transition a smooth process.

Within the Centre we also offer Employment services  We participate with CE, TUS, RSS, WSS & NLN Workers in National Government Schemes and Programmes. Work Placement and Work Experience is also offered to students attending MTU (ITT), FAS, Tralee & Listowel Community College, Causeway Comprehensive, St. Joseph Ballybunion and many more. Bud’s has supported students with Best Practice Model of Learning and Hands-On Practical Experience with the guidance of Professional Qualified Staff in their relevant field within the centre.

Social Service

An integral part of our services is the social service we provide to the more vulnerable, the elderly or those who are feeling isolated. Especially in our rural area, people who are not in villages or able to leave their home can find themselves alone.

We provide social calls, a daily check in if you will. Daily phonecalls or a weekly visit can be so welcomed by our vulnerable and provide a good boost for the mind. Our homely café also provides a welcoming place to provide social interaction. It is a place to bring members of the community together.

Throughout the year we also provide Older Peoples Groups which again provide social and active ageing activities. Our Active Retirement group which was formed in 2001 has been very successful and brought older people together socially and provided them with various activities from excercise, art, dance and current affairs. We even organised week long trips away as a group.

Out Reach Services

There are numerous Free Out Reach Services that operate in Bud’s for example

  • Counselling Services – Marriage Children and Bereavement
  • Jobs Club Programmes
  • Information Services and Advocacy (NEKD)
  • Drugs/Alcohol/Gambling Addiction Service Counselling (KDYS)
  • Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS)